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Nyandarua leaders want to have a bite of revenues generated by companies supplying water from Sasumua and Konoike dams to other neighbouring counties.

Ward Reps have unanimously agreed to petition the Senate to review any agreements that give water service providers unfettered ownership of the dams.

They spoke after a fact-finding tour of the two dams. If the petition goes through, then it would affect Nairobi, Nakuru and Laikipia counties among others that source water from Nyandarua. Nairobi could pay Sh300 million annually to Nyandarua.

Njabini-Kiburu MCA Kiiru Gachomba said reviewing the agreements would enable Nyandarua residents living near the dam to benefit because they are the ones who conserve environment around the dam’s water catchment area.

 “Despite people in my ward diligently conserving the water catchment area for Sasumwa Dam, they do not benefit from the water or money earned from selling the commodity to at least 14 counties,” Gachomba said.

Geta Ward Rep Chege Gathirimu said the Senate should help Nyandarua to come up with regulations that provide priority to supply the commodity to residents living near the water catchment areas.

“As we supply the nation with our water, our county gets nothing in return. Our people don’t even get clean water from these dams,” said Gathirimu, who is also the Deputy Speaker.

Isaac Mbae of Githioro Ward, who also chairs the Water Committee, said what came out of their visit to Sasumwa Dam is worrying.

Land rates

“Despite Sasumua Dam sitting on 31,135 acres of Nyandarua land, it is run by Nairobi Water that does not pay any land rates to our county. “What is the dam’s use if residents around the area do not have access to clean water?” wondered Mbae. Nominated MCA Lucy Kithinji said other counties get 10 percent of revenue earned by any entities that exploit their resources.

“Counties like Narok and Turkana receive a portion of revenue collected from Maasai Mara National Park and the oil drilling projects respectively. “Why can’t the same be done for our resources such as Sasumua and Konoike dams?” she asked.